From October 12-15, 2017, performing artists will gather in Guilford to present music, dance and theater compositions and workshops—a variety of genres and disciplines— at the first Guilford Performing Arts Festival (GPAF). Brought together from near and far —from Guilford, Connecticut, to Birmingham, England—they are seasoned professionals who have graced stages around the world, as well as upcoming artists seeking the limelight at local venues.

The GPAF will offer more than 40 events at various locations around the Guilford Green and in other places throughout the town. Events range from bluegrass and rock to opera and Broadway hits, ballet to social dancing, poetry, drama, audience-participation shows, workshops and more, including music in elementary schools. All events are free and open to the public on a first-come basis.

The four-day celebration is dedicated to enriching the lives of Guilford residents and visitors, welcoming them not only as audience members but also as participants. It brings to fruition a long-held aspiration of Guilford resident William Boughton, director of the Guilford Performing Arts Festival.

Wristbands Required for Attendance at Performances

A wristband is required to attend Guilford Performing Arts Festival performances. The same wristband will admit an attendee to all performances on a given day; there are different wristbands for each day. They are available free of charge at each venue and in the lobby of the Nathanael B Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street.